first minister

After hearing the excited shouts at the door, Xue Wenlu did not get excited.

In this current situation, what good news can there be?

Even if Yuyan Prefecture Dongfang Ping regained his strength and won a match, it would not change the fact that Murong Hu was killed by the formation, nor would it crush the Southern Dynasty people's desire to resist.

It’s nothing more than a little bit of good news, what big good news!

These subordinates who have never seen the world are really helpless and troublesome.

With contempt in his heart, he lazily walked over and opened the door, "If you have any good news, tell me."

The subordinate didn't answer, but jumped into the room. Xue Wenlu's eyes widened. Although I was fine, I was bullied by outsiders. How dare you, a slave, to jump around in front of me?

He raised his palm in an instant, and heard something in his ears, "Your Highness, the prince raised an army and attacked the Wudang Army by surprise. Now he led an army of [-], broke the Yinmayuan camp of the Wudang Army, and surrounded Nanchao Yanhuiguan!"

Xue Wenlu raised his hand and slapped himself in the face.

The pain on his face told him that this was not his drunken hallucination, but real information.

He also became excited instantly and became as unseen as he had just despised. He even grabbed the servant's shoulder regardless of his identity and asked, "Is the news true?"

"It's absolutely true! Now it's spread all over the streets! If I hadn't just gone out to buy some food, I would have been kept in the dark by these people from Honglu Temple!"

Xue Wenlu immediately nodded heavily, "You have done a great job! Go and invite the two deputy envoys!"

Seeing his entourage leave in excitement, he suddenly thought, "Wait a minute!"

Looking at the confused entourage, he waved and whispered a few instructions in his ear.

The attendant's eyes lit up, he nodded and left.

Not long after, Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing, who also looked depressed and troubled, walked into Xue Wenlu's room.

At this time, Xue Wenlu had simply freshened up and returned to his regal appearance as a handsome young master. Seeing the two of them, he boiled water and made tea and said with a smile: "When a good man is alive, he has no reason to get everything he wants, so he should persevere no matter what. You have accomplished great things, why do you do this despicable thing?"

The two of them looked at Xue Wenlu with some admiration in their hearts. He was worthy of being the crown prince among the Four Horsemen. Such a state of mind was worthy of their study.

"His Royal Highness's character and bearing make us ashamed!"

"His Royal Highness the lesson is right!"

The two of them were polite, but there was no significant change in their mood. This kind of major blow on the road of life development cannot be adjusted in a few words.

At this moment, there was a burst of rapid footsteps, and the previous subordinate hurriedly ran over, "His Royal Highness! Good news, great news."

Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing immediately turned around, but Xue Wenlu sat still and calmly said, "Behave in a controlled manner. Why panic? Just tell me what you have to say."

"Your Highness, the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry made a surprise attack on the Wudang Army the night before. Now the prince personally led the Snow Dragon Cavalry and the Tiger and Leopard Cavalry, a total of one hundred thousand troops, to break through the Yinmayuan camp of the Wudang Army and surround Nanchao Yanhuiguan!"

"what?"

"really?"

Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing stood up with surprise in their eyes.

Xue Wenlu also had joy in his eyes, but he still remained calm. He slowly picked up the kettle on the small stove, made a cup of tea, and said with a smile: "If he dares to report, he can't fake it."

The retinue nodded again and again, "His Royal Highness is right. It has spread all over Zhongjing City. We are the only ones in Honglu Temple who have not heard the news. I think it cannot be false."

Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing looked at each other and felt refreshed.

When two countries are in a confrontation, if they are evenly matched, diplomacy is power.

But if there is a clear distinction between strong and weak, then the power is diplomacy.

Previously, taking advantage of the weakness of the Southern Dynasty, they had a solid support behind them and could show off their power. However, with Xia Yunfei's formation killing Murong Hu and stabilizing the overall situation of Yuyan Province, although the fundamental pattern of power between the two countries has not changed, they can use this to coerce the Southern Dynasty. The reliance disappeared.

But now, with the [-] troops of King Zhennan coming to support them, they can stand up again!

Xue Wenlu didn't have much joy on his face. He slowly pushed two cups of clear and fragrant tea soup in front of the two of them, and said with deep meaning: "Our Majesty is really a talented person!"

Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing, who were full of excitement, were stunned when they heard this. Why did they suddenly boast about this?
The two of them frowned slightly, then realized what they were doing, and felt a sudden chill on their backs.

Whether it was Yuyan Prefecture or their mission, it turned out that they were all feints. Your Majesty’s real purpose and sight was always the unsuspecting army in the center!

The news was so secretive that even Xue Wenlu, the prince of Zhennan and one of the top dignitaries of the younger generation in Daliang, didn't know the slightest bit about it.

They came full of hope, but in His Majesty's eyes, they might just be dispensable abandoned children.
Yuan Wenjing's voice was dry, "We are all willing to do it for Daliang."

Xue Wenlu smiled and waved his hands, "You don't have to think so exaggeratedly. You are also talented people from our Daliang family. How can His Majesty really treat you as an abandoned son? If it succeeds, how can the Southern Dynasty dare to attack us? If it fails,"

He paused, "Do you think it's possible?"

One hundred thousand versus [-], calculated mentally but not carefully, with strong troops and strong horses to deal with internal and external troubles. Such a huge advantage is naturally impossible.

The discomfort on the faces of Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing quietly disappeared, they couldn't help but nodded, and looked at Xue Wenlu with sincere admiration in their eyes.

Faced with such shocking news, he could still maintain such composure and make such a rational analysis. It was really not easy!

Previously, I thought that his position as envoy was just due to his birth, but now it seems that His Majesty really knows people with a keen eye!

Yelvwende said: "Your Highness, in your opinion, what should we do now?"

Yuan Wenjing also turned his gaze, and Xue Wenlu's performance just now had completely impressed him.

To be able to have this state of mind in the face of adversity is truly a top talent.

Xue Wenlu slowly took a sip of the tea soup. The time just now was too short and he didn't have time to think so much. At this moment, he could only use the action of drinking tea, his mind changed quickly, and he said slowly: "Now that His Majesty's back move has been revealed, as before, Naturally, it is impossible to sign an ordinary peace agreement. But we can take advantage of this momentum to act arbitrarily in the Southern Dynasty, force the monarchs and ministers of the Southern Dynasty, and get more benefits. The more benefits we win, the more credit we will have after returning to the court. The bigger it gets."

The other two people nodded again and again, the situation changed, the constraints were lifted, and the situation suddenly opened up!
"However, before that, I have one more thing to do first."

Xue Wenlu spoke slowly, and then squinted his eyes amid the doubts of the other two people, "Go and invite Bai Yunbian over, entertain him well, and let him know what it means to be welcome and not to be indecent in return!"

Yelu Wende and Yuan Wenjing were stunned for a moment, and then nodded with deep sympathy, "That's right! It's rude to not reciprocate when you come back!"

In the Bai Mansion, Bai Yunbian, the rising political star of the Great Xia Dynasty, the Marquis of Huai'an who had repeatedly accomplished extraordinary feats, the outstanding censor Zhongcheng, and the best gunner of the Great Xia Dynasty, was sitting in the room with a sad look on his face.

Ye Hongluan had just finished practicing her archery and strode over in a neat red dress.

To her, this prosperous Zhongjing was like a gorgeous prison, always missing a bit of the joy of the sky, but with the person she loved, a family and a room, it was bearable.

Having already learned the battle report from the front line, she walked to Bai Yunbian and asked, "Are you still worried?"

Bai Yunbian nodded, "Right now, the court is leaking from all sides, and what it needs most is stability and peace. However, this Beiliang traitor is really ruthless. He chose this time to betray the country. The court is in a dilemma!"

Ye Hongluan said in confusion: "At the beginning, Mr. Su and the others brought a lot of troops and horses from Sishui and Yunmeng Prefectures, and there is no shortage of troops and horses from all states in the world. What's the dilemma? Just send troops for reinforcements!"

"That's not the way it is calculated." He looked at Ye Hongluan, "If the imperial court is compared to a person, these rebellions are like bleeding wounds on the body, which have to be healed. At this time, outsiders come to bully them. , if you resist with all your strength regardless of the wound, and the wound never heals, you will always be in weakness. If the opponent cannot defeat you this time, it will be just as troublesome to come back again. The best way is to fight off other people's bullying while taking care of your injuries. , Only in this way can we hope to return to its peak state and prevent others from daring to act rashly.”

Ye Hongluan, who had personally led troops in battle and suffered serious injuries, immediately understood when he said this. It turned out that this was where the court was struggling.

Tuk Tuk Tuk.

The door was knocked gently by the housekeeper, "Master, madam, a person from Beiliang just sent an invitation."

Bai Yunbian frowned and asked the butler to take the invitation and open it. He couldn't help but snorted softly and looked at Ye Hongluan who looked curious, "His Royal Highness seems to think that he is capable again. Please invite me to come over." feast."

Ye Hongluan immediately frowned, with anger on his face, "They are definitely going to find their place, these Beiliang people!"

Looking at her posture, it seemed that the next moment she was going to perform a scene of "rouge tiger leaping on horse with spear, people from Beiliang dying in Beijing". Bai Yunbian quickly pressed her hand and smiled confidently, "Don't worry! It's okay."

"Why is everything okay? Yesterday at the DPRK dinner, these people were so humiliated. You have made them so angry many times before. Now you finally have the chance to take revenge. Can you please do it?"

"If this was Liangdu, I would naturally not dare to go. But this is Zhongjing, do they still dare to use force against me? As long as they don't use force, they will definitely not get it! Even if Xia Jingyun goes there, I won't be able to do this. Such a great certainty.”

Bai Yunbian smiled slightly, puffed up his chest, and his expression was full of confidence, "When it comes to vertical and horizontal manipulation, and far-reaching wisdom, I am not as good as him, but when it comes to fighting with words and fighting in all directions, he is not as good as me!"

He stood up and said, "Waiting for my husband's triumphant return!"

Ye Hongluan spat, but didn't say anything more. Apparently, he had personal experience with his man's mouth.

In Honglu Temple, Xue Wenlu looked at Bai Yunbian who was walking in. He stood up with a smile on his face and saluted like an old friend meeting again: "Master Bai, I take the liberty to invite you, but I hope you won't be surprised!"

Bai Yunbian waved his hand aggressively, "You know you're being presumptuous. What else can I say? Sit down!"

Xue Wenlu groaned in his heart and said with a smile: "I invite Master Bai here this time because I want to tell Master Bai some bad news and good news for you."

Bai Yunbian nodded, quite unconcerned.

Xue Wenlu handed over a cup of tea, "The first news is that my father led [-] troops and destroyed the Wudang army camp. Before Chen Bingyan returned to the pass, your country's northern frontier defense line was crumbling."

Bai Yunbian nodded slowly, "What about the bad news?"

"The bad news is...huh?" Xue Wenlu, who spoke subconsciously, was confused. "What I said is that I sent out an army of [-], and my father led the main force of Tiger and Leopard Cavalry and Snow Dragon Cavalry to return home."

Bai Yunbian said with a matter-of-fact expression, "Yes, you sent 10 heads to my court at once. With such great military achievements, I don't know how many brave soldiers are enough to be crowned generals. In addition, your father is probably going to be killed by Jiang Yuhu again." I'm chasing you around, isn't this great news for me?"

"you"

Xue Wenlu felt that his once proud Qi-nurturing skills would be instantly broken as soon as he saw Bai Yunbian's face, and his emotions could be easily aroused. After silently reciting several times in his mind, don't be like him, he slowly calmed down and said, "As for the other person, I have a piece of news. I have always admired the culture of the Southern Dynasty. I came here this time because I want to see more of the talents of the Southern Dynasty. If we can get together to discuss the world, it will be a worthwhile trip. I would like to trouble you, Mr. Bai, to invite you."

Yelvwende, who had received the instructions in advance, smiled and answered, "This is a grand event for the young talents of the two countries, and it will also be a good story that will go down in history. As the convener, Mr. Bai must have a strong and colorful pen!"

Bai Yunbian frowned slightly when he heard this, "Admiring Wenhua? Wouldn't it be great if I took you to Qingbei Tower again?"

"Ahem!" Yuan Wenjing also hurriedly said: "Although the three heroes of Tushan are the Wen Sect of the world, it is enough to look up at such a high mountain. If we want to discuss Taoism at the same table and learn from each other, we have to wait. It’s better to be a peer! Moreover, this move does not violate taboos. If Mr. Bai really does not dare to make a decision, he can report it to the Queen Mother of your country, and I believe that the Queen Mother of your country will not embarrass this matter."

The carefully prepared words that were half persuasive and half stimulating came out, but the arrogant Bai Yunbian was unexpectedly not fooled, and frowned and fell silent.

"His Royal Highness has this intention. What's the difficulty in this matter? I wish to become a beautiful man."

In the silence beside the white clouds, a voice slowly sounded, and a young man walked into the gathering pavilion.

Although Xue Wenlu didn't know this person, he knew that the person who could walk directly in front of them like this was definitely an important role in the Southern Dynasty.

He stood up and bowed, "That's how I thank you, brother. Do you know your name?"

Bai Yunbian said calmly: "This is the third son of Wan Jingru, the eldest son of our prime minister Wan Wenbi, Wan Xuanming."

The young man saluted towards Bai Yun, "I have met Mr. Bai, and I passed by by chance. When I saw Mr. Bai coming here, I wanted to come and learn more about him."

Bai Yunbian said calmly: "Really? I don't believe it."

Wan Xuanming:
How could Xue Wenlu let go of this breakthrough point that came to his door, and immediately said kindly: "I want to see more and learn more about the talents of the Southern Dynasties. I am overjoyed to have Brother Wan help me. Brother Wan might as well sit down and join us." Have a drink.”

Bai Yunbian glanced at Wan Xuanming and then at Xue Wenlu, "Then shall I leave?"

How dare Wan Xuanming bear the brunt of his secret meeting with the Northern Liang envoy? He quickly said: "The scenery in the north and the south are very different, and the people in the mountains and rivers are also different. The talented people in our court are also curious about the Northern Liang. Since your envoy has this intention, I should also support him. Why don't I invite more talented people from the capital, and I will host a banquet tomorrow night, and invite His Highness the Crown Prince and the talented people from your country to attend, so that we can sit down and talk about it, and enjoy the grand event together."

After saying that, he looked at the white clouds and said, "Master Bai, would you like to show your face?"

Bai Yunbian said calmly: "Master Wan, please do what you want. Since it is not something you are ordered to do, I will not be annoying."

After saying that, he turned around and left. Wan Xuanming raised his hand towards Xue Wenlu and said, "The invitation will be sent to you later."

Xue Wenlu smiled and replied, "Thank you, brother Wan."

Wan Xuanming nodded and left, quickly catching up with Bai Yunbian, "Master Bai, please don't misunderstand me. Grandpa often said that you should see more and learn more. Beiliang is a long way away. It is rare for Beiliang talents to come here. I am just here to discuss their talents and see the world." It’s just broad.”

Bai Yunbian turned to look at him, "Master Wan, since you have a clear conscience, there is no need to explain. As long as Prime Minister Wan agrees, how can I allow this officer to comment, right?"

Wan Xuanming was startled, but Bai Yunbian had already left quickly.

Looking at the back, Wan Xuanming pursed his lips and thought for a while, then quickly went back to reply to his father.

In the Prime Minister's Mansion, all the eldest sons looked eagerly, and finally waited until their father returned slowly in the night.

"Father, today Sanlang has gone to Honglu Temple and made an appointment with the prince of Beiliang to invite a group of talented people from the capital to sit down and discuss the Tao tomorrow."

Wan Wenbi nodded slowly.

"Father, do you think this matter is a little too rash?"

After all, he is from an enemy country and his own family is the prime minister. In his eyes, this is still easy to attract people's attention.

Wan Wenbi held the hot tea and took a slow sip. He did not answer his question, but said softly: "Just now, the center received the second battle report from the front line. Qingchuan Pass rescued the geese back to the pass, but Beiliang Fifty thousand crane-controlling troops from Yelu's Eight Tribes quietly appeared and besieged Qingchuan Pass. In the middle of Qingchuan Pass, there were less than [-] defenders left, and there were no troops around to reach them quickly. They would fall only sooner or later."

Wan Xiang's eldest son's face changed suddenly with fright, he opened his mouth, but could not speak.

Although he doesn't know about soldiers, he also knows what the two passes in the north mean to the entire northern defense line.

Wan Wenbi sighed, "Emperor Liang is really ruthless. In a short time, our court may have to look down on Northern Liang. So, do you still think that befriending the Prince of Zhennan is a stupid move?"

Wanxiang's eldest son's throat rolled, and he smiled bitterly: "My father is wise and has seized the opportunity."

"Although my father doesn't want to see this, it has already happened. It is useless to regret and sigh. The only way for now is to use the power of Beiliang to achieve victory in the court, and then slowly plan for it."

He looked at his son and said, "Let Sanlang do this well. There will be peace negotiations in the future. I will find a position for him as deputy peace envoy. When he returns from Beiliang, he can officially join the official position."

"Yes, father."

After talking about the business, Wan Xiang's eldest son sighed: "I didn't expect Jiang Yuhu to lose."

"Yeah, who would have thought that the reputation of the Jiang family, the military god, would fall so quickly after the death of the old military god!"

"What about Xia Jingyun?"

"Under the general trend, it is difficult to survive alone, so why be afraid? What's more, he made many decision-making mistakes this time. After the dust settles, he will have his own methods as a father."

Similar conversations took place in the studies or secret rooms of many top dignitaries in the city as the second battle report arrived.

Although the final result is still unknown, 15 Beiliang cavalry faced [-] Wudang troops, and the Wudang army was divided and besieged. How could the war situation change?
The failure of the Wudang Army and the collapse of the center line defense were already a certainty in their eyes.

There are also many smart people who have seen the so-called "general trend" and started to make new plans.

Others may not be able to feel these undercurrents, but two people feel it as if they are personally in the eye of the storm.

Wan Xuanming was sitting at home, looking at the pile of posts in front of him, and smiled coldly.

This afternoon, when he went to visit many of his close friends and many of his famous peers, they were all declined.

Unexpectedly, only a few hours later, these people changed their previous attitude, took the initiative to reply and agreed, and even made some suggestions about hosting a banquet in another courtyard of their house. Their eagerness and flattery were so vivid. superior.

It's a pity that these people don't have the foresight of their grandfather. How can the weight between this No. 1 and the countless people behind him be the same in the eyes of the Northern Liang Crown Prince.

What the Prince of Beiliang values ​​more is obviously me, the Wan family!
He snorted and began to study the matter of tomorrow's dinner carefully, planning to give it to his grandfather to review it and check for any omissions early tomorrow morning before he left the house.

And the other person in the eye of the storm is naturally the Northern Liang envoy, the prince of Zhennan, Xue Wenlu.

He stood proudly by the window with his hands behind his back, listening to his subordinates' reports, with a cold and ironic smile on his lips.

I thought that the people of the Southern Dynasties were all people of integrity, but I didn't expect that when a disaster really came, they would still be so unbearable.

When the second battle report spread in the city, like a ray of spring in the chilling winter, the Beiliang mission began to feel the sincere goodwill and flattery of the people around them.

That was what they had expected before setting off, but it was something they had never experienced since arriving, and now it finally came true.

It turns out that it’s not that you have more backbone, but that you haven’t been suppressed hard enough!

He smiled and began to think about how to turn the hope that he thought had been shattered into reality again, and to realize it twice as much.

When the time comes, I will return to Daliang with all my glory.

The father's unparalleled military exploits and the son's many special honors, both literary and military, should be remembered by Daliang forever.

Amidst the surging undercurrent, the Marquis Jianning Mansion, which seemed to be the most anxious, was in a strange calm.

Because Xia Jingyun was not even in the house at all.

At this moment, he was standing in the imperial study room, looking at Concubine De and Dongfang Bai, and said softly: "Sister, pig, don't be afraid, we can win."

Concubine De's eyes were wide open, with a deep look of worry in her beautiful eyes, and she said with a wry smile: "You don't need to be comforted like this. The matter is over. If you lose, you will lose. Just find a way to clean up the mess and prevent the situation from getting worse again." , it’s useless to deceive yourself.”

Dongfang Bai's little face turned pale, and he held his mother's hand tightly, trying his best to sit up straight, so as not to look flustered and lose his imperial bearing.

Xia Jingyun shook his head and said: "I really didn't mean to say nice things to deceive my sister. My sister should always believe in Jiang Yuhu's ability to lead troops. I also sent a special letter to remind him. I don't think he will be so passively accepted by Beiliang." The surprise attack was successful. Since then, I have become more convinced that Jiang Yuhu is not in the army. As the commander, he is not in the army, so he must have other plans. Therefore, wait for two or three days, and there will be a follow-up. The battle report is coming. Maybe there will be an earth-shaking change."

Concubine De's face showed surprise, "Really?"

Xia Jingyun nodded, "Of course it's true. I heard that many people went to pay homage to the Beiliang envoy on the mountain today. I have ordered Yanzhi to do a good job of investigating. In the future, my sister and She'er will have a better understanding of these people. . Even if we go to court tomorrow or the day after, we can just pretend to be a snake and see how high these people can jump."

Concubine De hummed and gently stroked the waves on her chest, "I hope it's as you said. The country is in crisis and the country is in turmoil. Thank you for your hard work."

Xia Jingyun smiled, "Difficulties are only temporary. It will be fine after they pass."
-
The night was getting darker, and Xue Wenlu slept very soundly and sweetly in the post house of Honglu Temple.

Thousands of miles away in a grassland in Beiliang, Zhennan King Xue Zonghan glanced behind him in embarrassment and horror. Jiang Yuhu was still falling behind him like a cone attached to a bone.

The soldiers around him also went from more than 2 at the beginning to only about [-] cavalry left.

And this place is already close to two hundred miles away from Qingchuan Pass.

What the hell kind of killer star is this!

King Zhennan was about to cry but had no tears. He looked at the bodyguard beside him and said anxiously to himself: You loser, why didn't you say something about changing clothes with me? (End of chapter)